t remember ever having met any
soldiers at the social functions here--excepting officers. We are
extremely exclusive in Glencaid," she dropped him a mocking courtesy,
"and I have always moved in the most exclusive set."

Piqued by her tantalizing manner, he asked, "What particular social
functions are about to occur that may possibly open a passage into your
guarded presence?"

She seemed immersed in thought, her face turned partially aside.
"Unfortunately, I have not my list of engagements here," and she
glanced about at him shyly. "I can recall only one at present, and I
am not even certain--that is, I do not promise--to attend that.
However, I may do so. The Miners' Bachelor Club gives a reception and
ball to-morrow evening in honor of the new schoolmistress."

"What is her name?" with responsive eagerness.

She hesitated, as if doubtful of the strict propriety of mentioning it
to a stranger.

"Miss Phoebe Spencer," she said, her eyes cast demurely down.

"Ah!" he exclaimed, in open triumph; "and have I, then, at last made
fair capture of your secret? You are Miss Phoebe Spencer."

She drew back still farther within the recesses of the bushes, at his
single victorious step forward.

"I? Why certainly not. I am merely Miss Spencer's 'star' pupil, so
you may easily judge something of what her superior attainments must
necessarily be. But I am really going now, and I sincerely trust you
will be able to secure a ticket for to-morrow night; for if you once
meet this Miss Spencer you will never yield another single thought to
me, Mr.--Mr.--" her eyes dancing with laughter--"First Lieutenant
Donald Brant."

CHAPTER IV

SILENT MURPHY

Brant sprang forward, all doubt regarding this young woman instantly
dissipated by those final words of mischievous mockery. She had been
playing with him as unconcernedly as if he were a mere toy sent for her
amusement, and his pride was stung.

But pursuit proved useless. Like a phantom she had slipped away amid
the underbrush, leaving him to flounder blindly in the labyrinth. Once
she laughed outright, a clear burst of girlish merriment ringing
through the silence, and he leaped desperately forward, hoping to
intercept her flight. His incautious foot slipped along the steep edge
of the shelving bank, and he went down, half stumbling, half sliding,
until he came to a sudden pause on the brink of the little stream. The
chase was ended, and he sat up, confused